In a powerful demonstration of industry dominance, the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) has named Sterling Bank the ‘Outstanding Banking Partner for Tourism and Transportation of the Year’.
This honour and recognition highlight the bank’s transformative role in unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential through innovative financial solutions, game-changing collaborations, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable national growth.
Tourism contributes over 10 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, yet much of its potential remains untapped.
Sterling Bank has positioned itself as a leader in driving growth in tourism and transportation, two critical sectors for national development. This award acknowledges and celebrates the bank’s innovative contributions, which include financing groundbreaking projects and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.
Group head of mobility at Sterling Bank, Akin Akingbogun emphasised the bank’s leadership in driving sustainable growth.
He stated that, “Sterling Bank is committed to promoting tourism; not just through financing but by offering innovative solutions that unlock the sector’s full potential.”
Head of tourism and creative arts business at Sterling Bank, Abiola Adelana noted, “At Sterling, we go beyond banking, we are true partners in progress. We create bespoke financial solutions that empower tourism practitioners and helping them thrive in a competitive environment.”
Sterling Bank’s initiatives extend beyond financing. Its ‘Uncover Nigeria’ project celebrates the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage through the creative lens of young photographers, while its Torrista digital platform connects tourism professionals with global audiences, enabling them to curate and market unique travel experiences.
These efforts align with the bank’s HEART strategy, which prioritises investments in health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and transportation sectors considered essential for Nigeria’s sustainable development.
Through collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Tourism, various state-level tourism associations and offering financing tailored to the needs of tourism operators, Sterling Bank promotes public-private partnerships that is helping to reshape the tourism and transportation landscape in Nigeria.
This well-deserved recognition from ITPN reaffirms Sterling Bank’s position as a trusted partner in National development. The bank remains committed to fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across Nigeria’s most promising sectors.